Lakeland Ridges voters head to the polls on May 11
The following are responses to questions sent to each candidate from the River Valley Sun. Their answers are unedited. Thanks to reporter Paige Morgan for gathering the responses.
Mayor
Gregory Grant
Why are you running?
My commitment is rooted in community unification. Each of our four communities has its own identity, its own strengths, and its own story. But I truly believe we are at our best when we come together—when we listen to one another, support one another, and make decisions that reflect the collective good.
What do you believe makes you stand out as a candidate?
If I can meet with everyone, people will see I lead with care and empathy—and experience. Through my years in senior leadership roles, I’ve learned how to build strong organizations, make responsible decisions, and plan not just for today, but for the long term.
Leonard Foster – Incumbent
Foster did not send his answers in time for the publishing deadline.
WARD 1
Elizabeth Luimes – Acclaimed
Hans Stevens – Acclaimed
Ward 2
Lisa Antworth
Antworth did not send her answers in time for the publishing deadline.
Judy Cole
Why are you running?
People are asking for change. Our municipality is a patchwork of villages and hamlets spread across a wide rural landscape. For generations, these communities maintained their own identities and worked in silos. Old habits are hard to break, and at times, the council has struggled to work together. I believe every community within Lakeland Ridges, big or small, should have a voice on council, and every community should be given equal consideration in the decision-making. We are stronger when we exercise diplomacy, and support and respect each other. Effective communication is the key to success.
What do you bring to the council table?
I offer a wide range of experience across business, journalism, and politics. I currently work as a freelance journalist. I ran my dad’s country store in Kirkland, was editor of a local newspaper, served for eight years on the Debec Local Service District committee, and worked in government communications at both the federal and provincial levels for 25 years. I am also a community volunteer with a deep commitment to our rural way of life. I would like to utilize my skills to help communicate the council’s work to all our communities.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
We are facing hard times as a province, and that is sure to trickle down to municipalities. One example is the closure of the North Lake Provincial Park. This is a cheap decision by the province to save $69,000 annually, and it was announced after a major investment was made to upgrade it. The park is a tourism jewel to be protected and enjoyed. I would support any plan the council might have to save the park from being abandoned for a second time. We will need a public meeting to establish a way forward, especially if taxes are affected. Another issue is crime in rural areas. I would be in favour of a neighbourhood watch program or a hotline across the municipality to help the police ensure safety and security for our residents, who must keep their doors locked both day and night.
Linda Porter
Why are you reoffering?
After a great deal of reflection and considering all the challenges Lakeland Ridges Council has had to deal with as a result of municipal reform, I feel it is important to continue for another mandate if my residents remain confident in me representing them. We have had to deal with governance concerns and trying to build the right leadership that is critical to our success throughout this first term. As I have stated many times in Council meetings, we have to build the foundation and do the groundwork for the municipality’s future, and we are not there yet. The amalgamation of two former villages and six local service districts into one unified municipality has been a real challenge. We need to continue to promote engagement and participation from all areas of our municipality to be effective. There are many areas that still need to be worked on.
One area I want to continue to pursue is health care. We have an area in our municipal building in Canterbury that is ideal for a clinic. This area was formerly used by a physician and is now vacant. We have to develop a partnership with the New Brunswick Department of Health to find a physician or nurse practitioner to hold a clinic there. If it were only a couple of times a week it would take the stress off of the very busy emergency departments at URVH and the DECH. We have a number of residents in our area with no family physician, and it has been this way for a number of years. We have a number of seniors without a physician and often travelling in poor weather and under stressful circumstances to obtain health care. Having this clinic in our community would alleviate this unnecessary strain on our residents. The structure is there – all we need is the medical professional. Perhaps we can be a satellite location for one of the hospitals.
Another area is the impending closure of the North Lake Provincial Park. The Oak Bay Park, Anchorage Provincial Park and Campground, Cape Enrage and Val-Comeau were all left open for this year, and their municipalities were given a year to produce a proposal to remain open. Lakeland Ridges should be given that same opportunity to have the Province continue to operate the park for this season and allow our municipality to develop a plan for the future. I have been told by many residents that this is the only public beach in our area and needs to remain open!
What do I bring to the council table?
My husband Allison and I have lived in the Mapledale area for 49 years where we have raised our family. During that time, I have been involved in numerous groups and organizations. I have been the Organizational Leader of the Debec 4-H Club. I have served on the Debec Elementary Home and School Association, Debec Community Adult Learning Centre and am presently a member of the Debec Women’s Institute. I was a member of the Debec Local Service District Advisory Committee for 15 years serving as their Chair when municipal reform occurred and I served as a member of the Transition Team Advisory Committee for the Local Governance Reform process in Lakeland Ridges during 2022. I have the experience. I am a team player and also a very engaged community person. I am also very willing to do the work needed to move Lakeland Ridges forward. I look forward to continuing to represent the residents of my area through this challenging process with consultation, accountability, and transparency.
What do I see as the biggest challenge facing my community?
Being responsible for our tax dollars is probably the biggest challenge facing Lakeland Ridges. The Municipal Reform process has really challenged Council to be fiscally responsible as we develop budgets and provide services for our residents. We have a number of senior citizens in our area who are on fixed incomes and looking after their basic needs is a real challenge for them. We must control the spending of our tax dollars and use them wisely. We also must respect our land use for agriculture, forestry, small business, outfitters, and recreation services must also be maintained. Rising property tax assessments have created financial concerns for our residents. Council has to work really hard to balance tax rates while maintaining services to our residents with very limited funds.
WARD 3
Rhonda Alward
Why are you running?
I have lived in my community for most of my life and have volunteered for the majority of my adult life. I believe that without active/engaged volunteers, the community suffers. I am results-oriented and would like to work with others to continue moving Lakeland Ridges forward.
What do you bring to the council table?
I am currently Chair of the Meductic Recreation Committee and am involved with the Meductic Memorial Park Revitalization Committee. I worked in office management and Human Resources for 35+ years and am now retired. I feel I have the experience and time needed to fulfill the responsibilities as a councillor.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
The overall lack of capacity that challenges rural communities, including: affordability, access to primary care, community and recreational programming, policing and adequate housing, especially for seniors, to allow them to remain in their community.
Stephen Manuel
Manuel did not send his answers in time for the publishing deadline.
Karen Patterson
Why are you running ?
I would like to work for our communities to ensure we are meeting their needs.
What do you bring to the table ?
I have lived in our community all my life and am committed to assist in providing the services our community needs.
– I am reliable and honest.
– I am a good listener and am committed to bring forward the concerns of our community and to addressing these .
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Bringing our communities together through a cohesive and productive council that represents Lakeland Ridges.
Randy Stairs – Incumbent
Stairs did not send his answers in time for the publishing deadline.
Sterling Wright
Wright did not send his answers in time for the publishing deadline.
Chris Yerxa – Incumbent
Yerxa did not send his answers in time for the publishing deadline.
Ward 4
Jeffrey Joeseph Carrier
Why are you running?
My 40+ years of experience covering and being involved in municipal politics, including two years as chair of the Chaleur LSD from 2002-2004, have given me the experience to meet the needs of the citizens of Canterbury and Lakeland Ridges on all issues we will face.
What do you bring to the council table?
Experience and a sense of dedicated non-partisan co-operation. I owe nothing to any political party – just the residents of Canterbury and Lakeland Ridges. I am in no one’s back pocket nor will I ever be to those higher up on the provincial or federal parties.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Overcoming the drama and the lack of direction which caused our ‘supervillage’ to be taken over by the province for more than a year due to in-fighting. Basically, if elected I am there to work hard 24-7 for what’s best, not personal gain or undirected decisions, with council members and a Mayor who feel as I do. The citizens should be our focus. Leave egos at the door.
Tanya Cloutier
Why are you running?
I’m running because I believe I bring a strong, supportive voice to the table. I have the experience, the knowledge, and the work ethic to represent the people of Lakeland Ridges and help move our community forward.
What do you bring to the council table?
Experience, a strong work ethic, and a genuine care for our community. I listen, I show up, and I’m committed to doing the work needed to make things better for everyone.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
As a small rural community, one of our biggest challenges is creating and supporting opportunities right here at home, from local events to access to services like food and gas. At the same time, we are now one municipality made up of many unique communities, and it’s important that we continue to build and bridge those connections so everyone feels represented and included. The closure of our provincial park is also a major setback, and it will take a focused, forward-thinking council to address that and continue building for the future.
Barb Glanville – Incumbent
Why are you reoffering?
I’m reoffering as an incumbent after winning a bi-election in April 2025. Although I had no prior political or municipal experience when I first ran, I took it upon myself to attend all meetings from May 2024 onward, in addition to volunteering on the Environment and Waste Committee. I entered the race in 2025 with an open and clear perspective, and I’m re-offering to build on that experience and continue serving the community of Lakeland Ridges.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring a willingness to learn, a commitment to representing the community with integrity, and a focus on practical, forward-looking decision making. I feel my work experiences and background provide me with valuable skills that are directly relevant to effective and accountable governance.
In addition, I have attended training sessions offered through UMNB (Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick) and FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) just to name a few, in addition to focus groups such as the Clean Water Act (NB) and Invasive Species (NBISC).
Finally I value my volunteer experience within the community and my strong interest in environmental issues.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
I would like to look at the pluses Lakeland Ridges has to offer, however it does come with it’s challenges. Lakeland Ridges has a population base of approximately 2,450 residents however it supplies services to residents that expand over 1,400 square kilometres. It may not have the infrastructure concerns as a larger centre, however it is required to meet servicing needs such as Waste Management and Public Safety (Policing and Fire).
We can’t hide the impact of climate change, in any NB region. For example, in Lakeland Ridges, we’re fortunate to have four very dedicated Fire Departments (Volunteer), but their needs are continually evolving to meet prescribed safety standards (NFPA) and emerging risks.
A smaller population base, and limited industry generate fewer tax dollars. Also one has to keep in mind, the merger of two villages and local service districts (LSDs), the past four years have been spent establishing a new municipality, including the creation of unified policies, by-laws, and government structures. And we still have a ways to go…. however we’re getting there.
Heather Neilson
Why are you running/reoffering?
I chose to run for Council because I believe strongly in the future of Lakeland Ridges and the kind of community we can build together. I want to help connect those strengths so we can move forward as a unified, resilient municipality.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring a strong sense of community, a willingness to listen, and a focus on practical solutions. I’ve worked to bring people together—through developing a community garden, supporting fire prevention efforts, and being involved in youth programming—turning ideas into action.
I also bring experience in leadership, board governance, and financial administration, along with a commitment to collaboration, accountability, and clear communication. I show up, I listen, and I’m focused on making thoughtful decisions that benefit our entire municipality.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Our focus should be on building upon the strong foundation of services and programs already in place. By planning responsibly, we can support growth while maintaining the reliable services residents expect.
Shawn Oldenburg
Oldenburg did not send his answers in time for the publishing deadline.
